MORAINE, Ohio (AP) — General Motors Co. says its joint venture plant with Isuzu Motors in southwest Ohio has reached a milestone as production of the Duramax diesel engine topped 1.5 million units.

The 6.6-liter V-8 is available in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup models, as well as van models. GM says in a statement Friday that it introduced the Duramax diesel in the 2001 model year.

The DMAX Ltd. joint venture in the Dayton suburb of Moraine employs 517 people.